Spraying device

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a spraying device for spraying an enclosure with a liquid cleanser. The device comprises a metering system communicating with a reservoir and a spray head containing a vibrating mesh spray actuator. The metering system comprises a metering chamber, a weir member and a conduit means. The device is rotatable between a first recharging orientation and a second dispensing orientation. The conduit means comprises an element selected from a check valve and a channel. In particular, the invention relates to a spraying device which is suited for automatically cleaning a toilet bowl. The invention also relates to a cartridge configured to be received by the spraying device. Furthermore the invention relates to a method for spraying an enclosure comprising a rotatable lid with a liquid cleanser.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a spraying device for spraying anenclosure with a liquid cleanser. In particular, the invention relatesto a spraying device which is suited for automatically cleaning a toiletbowl, more specifically for treatment of micro-organisms and virusesthat become airborne in the inner volume of the toilet bowl duringflushing. The invention also relates to a cartridge configured to bereceived by a spraying device. Furthermore the invention relates to amethod for spraying an enclosure comprising a rotatable lid with aliquid cleanser.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Water toilets are a wide-spread utility. Although many people use themmore than once a day, only few people like cleaning them. However, inview of the importance of domestic and/or public hygiene, toilets needto be cleaned regularly. Apart from the objective need for sanitaryhygiene, most users prefer using a clean toilet. Therefore it is highlydesirable to provide means that will reduce the effort required to cleana toilet. At the same time it is especially desirable that such meansalso provide good under-the-rim cleaning, as this a place where dirt,scale and/or microorganisms are often suspected to accumulate.

Moreover, it is well known that every time the toilet is flushed afteruse, thousands of bacteria and virus particles are catapulted into theair, travelling as far as two meters or more out of and up from thetoilet bowl as a fine invisible mist. An existing hypothesis refers tothe greatest bacterial mist dispersal occurring not during the initialmoments of the flush, but rather once most of the water has already leftthe bowl.

The bacterial mist can remain airborne for over two hours, floatingaround in the and spreading over the room to finally settle on and thuscontaminating the available surfaces around the toilet. This spread offaeces-originating bacteria and/or viruses over the bathroom isundesirable with respect to hygiene and could even cause serious healthproblems. Examples of surfaces on which deposition of pathogenicmicro-organisms or viruses is highly undesirable are toothbrushes,hairbrushes, light switches, and the toilet paper.

There is thus a need to reduce or prevent the spread of active airbornemicro-organisms and viruses from the toilet after flushing, inparticular when pathogenic micro-organisms are involved.

Several attempts have been made to solve the problem of these airbornemicro-organisms and viruses.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,906,009 discloses a toilet bowl that has gases andbacteria or virus-laden mist removed directly therefrom by an airevacuation system, both during and after use of the toilet. Thedisadvantage of such a solution is that it requires a special toiletbowl and a separate and relatively expensive air evacuation system.

A potential solution is to provide a device that can automatically sprayan amount of cleanser liquid into a toilet bowl. For instance, WO2012/156170 describes an automated spraying device for spraying anenclosure, the device having a movable spray head having an outletorifice through which cleanser can be expelled during operation of apump. The device also comprises an electrical motor drive mechanism forsequentially operating the pump and the moving spray head.

Alternatively, it may be advantageous to provide a device with a minimumnumber of moving parts, for instance by using a vibrating mesh sprayactuator. This type of actuator functions by bringing a dispensableliquid in contact with a membrane with micron-sized meshes andpiezoelectrically driving the membrane at a supersonic frequency. Theresulting vibration of the mesh causes the liquid to be expelled in theform of a fine mist.

For example, WO 2011/061478 A1 discloses a device for the treatment of alavatory appliance which device generates a mist of a treatmentcomposition, the device comprising: a mist generator means comprising avibrating member and a piezoelectric actuator, a control circuit foroperating the mist generator means, a reservoir for the fluid product tobe aerosolized, a means for supplying the mist generating means with thefluid product, a housing, and at least one directing nozzle, flowdirecting implement or flow directing orifice adapted to direct the flowof a mist generated by the mist generating means out from the housing(and towards part of a lavatory appliance). The supplying means caninclude capillaries, tubes or channels, pumps, a wick, a gravity feedflow, a manual supply means, or an antechamber or cavity which isintermediate the reservoir and the mist generator means.

Similarly. WO 2011/124277 A1 discloses a dispensing device fordispensing a free-flowing composition, in particular a toilet flusherfor fastening to the edge of a toilet. The device comprises a reservoirand a piezoelectric dispensing, element. The dispensing orifice of thedispensing element is located lower than the bottom of the reservoir andis communicating with it via the duct. The height difference betweenboth ends of the duct ensures that the composition is siphoned to thedispensing element. The dispensing element sprays or atomises thecomposition in a horizontal direction.

However, these devices of the prior art present a number of drawbacks.The meshes of vibrating mesh spray actuators are relatively fragile andsensitive. Prolonged contact of such a mesh with a cleaning liquid islikely to damage the mesh, for example because the mesh may be corrodedby an aggressive cleaning liquid. Another problem that may be caused bysuch constant contact of the mesh with a cleanser liquid is thatevaporation of its liquid constituents may cause the accumulation ofinsoluble materials on the mesh, leading to clogging and poorfunctioning of the mesh. If the liquid exerts a constant hydrostaticpressure on the mesh, the device may start leaking, especially if forinstance the atmospheric pressure or the internal air pressure changes.These problems are even more likely to occur when it is desired that themesh sprays in a downward direction, i.e. by placing the meshhorizontally and feeding the actuator from above. Such downwarddispensing is desirable though, to ensure optimal dispensing of acleaner throughout a toilet bowl.

Vibrating mesh spray actuators are also sensitive to dry running. If theenergy supplied by the vibratory movement cannot be dissipated via thedispensable liquid, this will cause undamped mechanical motion of themesh and/or heating up of the mesh. Therefore, too long periods of dryrunning will lead to damage, for instance fracturing of the mesh andpossibly even melt-down.

Therefore there is a need to provide a spraying device in which theclogging of such a vibrating mesh is reduced or prevented, whilst at thesame time run-dry of the mesh needs to be minimised or preventedaltogether. Additionally, it is generally desired to reduce the numberof moving parts needed for proper functioning of such a spraying deviceor at least to minimise the increase of the number of moving partswhilst attempting to solve the above problems.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to overcome orameliorate one or more of the problems of the prior art as presentedabove. Additionally, it is an object of the present invention to providea device that is still capable of eliminating within a toilet bowl, theairborne micro-organisms and viruses generated during flushing of thetoilet. In addition, it is an object of the current invention to providea device that prevents the airborne micro-organisms and virusesgenerated during flushing to spread around the bath room. A furtherobjective of the invention is to provide a device that generates anaerosol of a disinfecting or sanitising fluid. Another objective of theinvention is to provide a device that properly sanitizes the toiletafter use.

Another object of the invention is to provide a device that reduces thechance that a user of the toilet comes in contact with airbornemicro-organisms and viruses and/or disinfecting or sanitising fluid.Another objective of the invention is to provide a device that avoidsthe user having to reach into the toilet bowl to (re-)place the device.A further objective of the invention is to provide a device that is easyin use.

Another objective of the invention is to provide a device that is smalland compact. Another objective of the invention is to provide a devicethat for environmental and economic reasons only consumes a small amountof a disinfecting or sanitising fluid per use. Another objective of theinvention is to provide a device that can be easily re-filled. Anotherobjective of the invention is to provide a device that will workautomatically.

Another objective of the invention is to provide a device that will onlywork when the toilet lid is closed. Another objective of the inventionis to provide a device that will only be activated at the mostappropriate time.

Yet another objective is to provide a device in which a vibrating meshspray actuator is enabled to be repeatedly used over prolonged periodsof time without malfunctioning or damage. More particularly, it is anobject of the invention to provide a device whereby the possibility ofclogging and/or dry-running, of a vibrating mesh spray actuator isminimised. Finally, it is an objective of the invention to provide adevice, that will remain active for an effective amount of time.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

We have now found that a spraying device according, to the presentinvention achieves one or more of the above-mentioned objects. Inparticular, the spraying device is capable of repeatedly spraying dosesof a liquid cleanser into an enclosure without problems such as cloggingof the mesh in between two actuation runs whilst at the same timerun-dry of the mesh is prevented or at least minimised. To this end, thedevice comprises a metering system comprising a weir member and aconduit means comprising an element selected from a check valve and achannel (as defined below) which in cooperation with each other and theparticular configuration of the features of the spraying device providethe desired effects.

Therefore, according to a first aspect, the present invention provides aspraying device for spraying an enclosure with a liquid cleanser,wherein the device comprises a reservoir (1) for containing the liquidcleanser or is adapted for receiving a detachable cartridge (22)comprising a reservoir (1) for containing the liquid cleanser,

-   -   and wherein the device further comprises        -   a metering system comprising a metering chamber (3), a weir            member (4), and a conduit means (5),        -   a spray head (6) containing a vibrating mesh spray actuator            (7), and        -   an electronic control circuit (8) for controlling the spray            actuator (7);    -   whereby        -   the metering chamber (3) comprises an inlet opening (9) and            an outlet opening (10), and whereby the weir member (4) is            located between the reservoir (1) and the metering chamber            (3) and        -   the device is rotatable between a first recharging            orientation and a second dispensing orientation;    -   and whereby in the recharging orientation,        -   the metering chamber (3) is located below the reservoir (1)            and is in fluid communication therewith via the inlet            opening (9);    -   and whereby in the dispensing orientation:        -   the weir member (4) extends upward from the lower wall (11)            of the reservoir and the metering inlet opening (9) is            located above the weir member (4),        -   the metering chamber (3) is in fluid communication with the            vibrating mesh spray actuator (7) via the metering outlet            opening (10) and the conduit means (5), and        -   the spray head (6) is located below the metering chamber and            is adapted for spraying in downward direction;    -   and whereby the conduit means (5) comprises an element selected        check valve (12) and a channel (13), whereby        -   if the element is said check valve (12), the check valve            (12) is closed when the device is in the recharging position            and opened when the device is in the dispensing orientation,        -   and if the element is said channel (13), the channel            communicates with the metering chamber via a channel inlet            opening and communicates with the spray head (6) via a            channel outlet opening and whereby, when the device is in            the recharging orientation, the channel (13) extends in an            upward direction from the metering chamber (3) and the spray            head (6) is located above and away from the metering chamber            (3).            Surprisingly, clogging and over-heating of the mesh of the            vibrating mesh spray actuator are minimised or even            prevented in the spraying device according to the invention.            The same effect is obtainable, both when the conduit means            is realised in the described configuration comprising a            check valve and in the described configuration comprising a            channel.

According to a second aspect, the invention also relates to a cartridge(22) comprising a reservoir (1) and a cartridge outlet opening (23),whereby the cartridge is configured to be received by a spraying deviceaccording to the invention whereby the spraying device is adapted fordetachably receiving the cartridge and whereby the cartridge isreceivable in a configuration in which the reservoir (1) communicateswith the metering chamber (3) via the cartridge outlet opening (23) andthe metering chamber inlet opening (9) when the spraying, device is inthe recharging orientation. The cartridge according to the invention isinterrelated with the spraying device according to the first aspect ofthe invention, insofar as that is adapted to receive a detachablecartridge.

According to a third aspect, the invention provides a method forspraying an enclosure comprising a rotatable surface with a liquidcleanser, comprising the steps of

-   -   a. providing a spraying device according to the invention,        whereby the reservoir is charged with cleansing liquid;    -   b. attaching the spraying device to the rotatable surface;    -   c. bringing the spraying device in its recharging orientation,        thereby filling the metering chamber with a dose of the        cleansing liquid;    -   d. bringing the spraying device in its dispensing orientation;    -   e. dispensing the dose of cleansing liquid via the vibrating        membrane spray actuator, and    -   f. optionally repeating the steps c to e.        In a fourth aspect, the invention also provides use of a        spraying device according to the invention for repeatedly        spraying a dose of cleansing liquid into an enclosure,        preferably into a toilet bowl.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

FIG. 1 shows a cross section of a schematic representation of a firstembodiment of the spraying device of the present invention in therecharging orientation.

FIG. 2 shows a cross section of a schematic representation of the sameembodiment as in FIG. 1, in the dispensing orientation.

FIG. 3 shows a cross section of a schematic representation of a secondembodiment of the spraying device of the present invention in therecharging orientation.

FIG. 4 shows a cross section of a schematic representation of the sameembodiment as in FIG. 3, in the dispensing orientation.

FIG. 5 shows a cross section of a schematic representation of a thirdembodiment of the spraying device of the present invention in therecharging orientation.

FIG. 6 shows a cross section of a schematic representation of the sameembodiment as in FIG. 5, in the dispensing orientation.

FIG. 7 shows a cross section of a schematic representation of a fourthembodiment of the spraying device of the present invention in therecharging orientation.

FIG. 8 shows a cross section of a schematic representation of the sameembodiment as in FIG. 7, in the dispensing orientation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

For the avoidance of doubt, any feature of one aspect of the presentinvention may be utilised in any other aspect of the invention. The word“comprising” is intended to mean “including” but not necessarily“consisting of” or “composed of.” Thus, the term “comprising” is meantnot to be limiting to any subsequently stated elements but rather tooptionally also encompass non-specified elements of major or minorfunctional importance. In other words, the listed steps or options neednot be exhaustive. Whenever the words “including” or “having” are used,these terms are meant to be equivalent to “comprising” as defined above.It is noted that the examples given in the description below areintended to clarify the invention and are not intended to limit theinvention to those examples per se.

Except in the examples, or where otherwise explicitly indicated, allnumbers in this description indicating amounts of material or conditionsof reaction, physical properties of materials and/or use are to beunderstood as modified by the word “about”. Unless specified otherwise,numerical ranges expressed in the format “from x to y” are understood toinclude x and y. When for a specific feature multiple preferred rangesare described in the format “from x to y”, it is understood that allranges combining the different endpoints are also contemplated.

The term sanitising as used in this application refers to a lower levelof germ control, killing about 50 to 75% of the germs present on asurface or in the air. For the purposes of this patent, disinfecting canbe understood as a higher level of germ control than meant withsanitising (i.e. over 75% germ kW). Under controlled conditions adisinfecting solution provides a 100,000 fold or better reduction in thenumber of viable micro-organisms (using a specific culture that istreated with the disinfecting solution for an appropriate time period,normally 5 minutes). This is generally known as a ‘5 log reduction’.

Where, in the context of this description, the term “upward” refers tothe orientation of one or more elements of the device or cartridge ofthe invention, this term is understood as not being limited to anexactly vertical orientation, yet to include orientations with asufficient upward component as will be clear from the specific context.Thus, for example, a channel extending upwardly may for instance bestraight or bended and may also be slanted.

Spraying Device

The present invention relates to a spraying device for spraying anenclosure with a liquid cleanser. Such a spraying device is capable ofdelivering a liquid in an enclosure, in the form of fine droplets (i.e.a mist or an aerosol). Typically, this delivery is realised by atomisingor nebulising the liquid cleanser. The device is capable of metering thecleansing liquid sufficiently accurately, yet with a minimum of movingparts as explained below.

Enclosure

The spraying device according to the invention can be used in anyenclosure. The enclosure may be any enclosed space. Here, the termenclosure is not understood to be limited to hermetically closed spacesas will be evident from this description. Preferably, the device issuitable for dispensing a cleanser in a sanitary enclosure. Examples ofsanitary enclosures include a toilet room, a toilet bowl, a bathroom, ashower cabinet, a sauna. Alternatively it is preferred that theenclosure is a domestic appliance comprising a cleanable internal space,including a washing machine, a mechanical dish washer, and the like. Itis particularly preferred that the enclosure is a toilet bowl.

The inner volume of the toilet bowl is defined by the space enclosed bythe toilet bowl, the water in the bowl, and the toilet lid when the lidis in the closed (lowered) position. Thus, this volume also includes thespace under the rim of the toilet, if such a rim is present. Thebottom-side of the toilet lid is the side of the lid that faces theinner side of the toilet bowl when it is in its closed (lowered)position.

Since the device is preferably operated by repeatedly bringing it intothe recharging and dispensing orientations, respectively, (as describedbelow) it is very desirable that the device is attachable to a rotatablesurface. Therefore, the enclosure is preferably equipped with arotatable lid, whereby the lid typically is a hinged lid or otherwiserotatable around an axis parallel to primary plane of the lid. Since theenclosure preferably is a toilet bowl, the rotatable surface preferablyis a toilet lid.

The spraying device of the invention preferably contains means forattaching it to the bottom side of the lid of a toilet. Said means coverany aid, appliance or tool that may be used to secure the devicetemporarily or permanently to the toilet lid. Non limiting examples ofsuch means are a layer or drop of adhesive, double-sided sticking tapeand Velcro. It is however, also possible to use a clamp, a hook, ascrew, a bayonet fitting, a vacuum cup or similar means to attach thedevice to the lid. Another suitable way of attaching is via a mountingbase which is permanently attached to the surface and equipping both thebase plate and the device with cooperating, clickable, reversiblefastening means. The latter configuration enables easy replacementand/or cleaning of the device and or exchange of consumables (ifpresent), including e.g. a reservoir cartridge or batteries.Alternatively, a combination of different securing aids, appliancesand/or tools might be used.

Recharging and Dispensing Orientation

The spraying device according to the invention is constructed such thatit can dispense liquid in one orientation and is recharged by virtue ofgravity upon rotating the device to another orientation. For instance,when attached to toilet lid, the device can dispense a dose of cleanserwhen the lid is closed and is recharged when the lid is opened andclosed again.

If the device is intended to be attached to a toilet lid, the dispensingorientation matches the orientation of the device when the lid is in itsclosed position, whereas the recharging orientation reflects theorientation of the device when the lid is open.

The device functions this way due to the relative placement of its partsin a dispensing orientation and a recharging orientation. In otherwords, the device is rotatable between a first recharging orientationand a second dispensing orientation.

Thus it will be clear that when the device is in operation, the rotationbetween the dispensing and recharging orientations will be rotation in aplane of rotation which is inclined with respect to a horizontal planeof reference. Thus, the plane of rotation preferably is at an angle ofat least 60°, more preferably at least 75 and even more preferablybetween 80° and 90° with respect to a horizontal plane of reference. Itis particularly preferred that this plane of rotation is substantiallyvertical. For example, the plane of rotation of a normally mountedtoilet lid around its hinges is such a substantially vertical plane.

The angle of rotation between the dispensing orientation and therecharging orientation of the spraying device preferably is between 30°and 100°, more preferably between 60° and 120° and even more preferablybetween 80° and 100°.

The recharging orientation and the dispensing orientation are defined tofacilitate the description of the cooperation between the features ofthe spraying device. However, from this description it will be clear tothe skilled person that when the device is used, the capability ofrecharging is not limited to the exact recharging orientation as definedherein. Rather, recharging occurs as a gradual process upon rotation ofthe device. Similarly, the capability of the device to dispense theliquid is not to be understood to be limited to the dispensingorientation, because the device can be designed such as to permitdeviations from the dispensing orientation when dispensing. Preferably,such deviations are small deviations, for instance deviations smallerthan 15 degrees, more preferably smaller than 10 degrees.

Reservoir.

The spraying device of the present invention comprises a reservoir forcontaining the liquid cleanser. Thus, the reservoir can be an integralpart of the spraying device. Alternatively, the spraying device isadapted for receiving a detachable cartridge comprising a reservoir forcontaining the liquid cleanser. Such a cartridge allows replacement ofthe reservoir, for instance when the reservoir is empty or exchange ofthe cleanser is desired.

Preferably, the spraying device is constructed such that it is easy forthe user to re-load the device with the disinfecting or sanitisingcleansing fluid, even when in use the device is attached or attachableto a (toilet) lid. One option of reloading the device is by re-fillingthe reservoir with the disinfecting or sanitising fluid without havingto remove the reservoir from the device and or lid. A second and thirdoption are enabled by the above detachable cartridge. The second optionof reloading the device is by removing the cartridge from the deviceand/or lid, re-filling the removed reservoir, followed by placing there-filled reservoir back in the device and/or on the lid. The thirdoption of reloading the device is by replacing the empty cartridge by aloaded cartridge.

In view of ease of use, the spraying device is preferably adapted forreceiving a detachable cartridge comprising a reservoir for containingthe liquid cleanser.

On the one hand, the spraying device and the cartridge can be providedtogether, such that the invention relates to a spraying device accordingto any one of the preceding claims, comprising a detachable cartridge,whereby the reservoir is comprised in the cartridge. This detachablecartridge typically communicates with the metering chamber via an outletopening adapted to provide a leak-tight seal upon placing the cartridgein the device. Preferably, this cartridge is a cartridge according tothe second aspect of the invention as defined hereinabove.

On the other hand, it is particularly advantageous to provide suchcartridges separately, such that the consumer can replace the cartridgewithout the need to replace the device. Therefore the second aspect ofthe present invention relates to the separate cartridge.

The reservoir has the same function, regardless of whether it is anintegral part of the device or incorporated in a cartridge. In eithercase, the cooperation between the reservoir, the metering system, andthe conduit means enable the functionality of the spraying deviceaccording to the invention.

The volume of the reservoir may fall within the range of from 5 to 200ml, preferably from 10 to 150 ml, more preferably from 15 to 100 ml,even more preferably from 30 to 60 ml and most preferably about 50 ml.

Metering System

The function of the metering, system is to ensure that a metered dose ofcleansing liquid is provided when the device is operated. That is, thismetered dose should be provided by rotating the device to the rechargingorientation and then rotating it to its dispensing orientation.

To this end, the metering system comprises a metering chamber, a weirmember, and a conduit means. The metering, chamber comprises an inletopening and outlet opening. The weir member is located between thereservoir and the metering chamber.

The functional cooperation between these features is best described withreference to the recharging and dispensing orientation as describedabove. In the recharging orientation, the metering chamber is locatedbelow the reservoir and is in fluid communication therewith via theinlet opening. Thus, the placement of the weir member and the meteringinlet opening ensure that during recharging a certain dose of thecleanser can flow into the metering chamber, by virtue of gravity.

In the dispensing orientation the weir member extends substantiallyvertically from the lower wall of the reservoir and the metering inletopening is located above the weir member, the metering chamber is influid communication with the vibrating mesh spray actuator via themetering outlet opening and the conduit means, and the spray head islocated below the metering chamber.

Therefore, when the device is rotated from the recharging orientationinto its dispensing orientation, the metering inlet opening will at somepoint during the rotation be located above the level of the liquid inthe reservoir. In some embodiments, the level of the liquid in themetering chamber may at some orientation during this rotation rise abovethe lowest point of the metering inlet opening, causing some liquid toflow back into the reservoir.

Weir Member

When the spraying device subsequently is in the dispensing orientation,the weir member separates the liquid in the reservoir from that in themetering chamber. Thus, when the metering chamber is emptied duringdispensing of the cleanser, the weir prevents the liquid in thereservoir from entering into the metering chamber as long as the deviceis in the dispensing orientation. Therefore, the weir member issealingly attached to the bottom and side walls of the reservoir in sucha way that liquid cannot flow around its sides or underneath it when itis in the dispensing orientation.

The weir member may be a simple wall like member extending upwardly fromthe lower wall of the reservoir, wherein upward and lower are both withrespect to the rest of the device/reservoir when the device is in theorientation position. In that case the wall-like member typically doesnot extend completely to the upper wall of the reservoir, but only up toa certain height. The open space above the weir then forms the meteringinlet opening. Alternatively, there may be a wall extending from thelower to the upper wall of the reservoir, whereby the wall comprises themetering inlet opening, for instance in the form of an orifice or aslit. In that case the weir member is formed by the part of the wallbetween the metering inlet opening and the lower wall of the reservoir.

The weir member is located between the reservoir and the meteringchamber. Therefore, the weir member also prevents the liquid (apart fromany excesses) in the metering chamber from flowing back into thereservoir when the device is in the dispensing orientation.

Therefore, in yet another realisation of the device according to theinvention, in particular when the reservoir is comprised in a detachablecartridge, the weir member is formed by part of the cartridge wall andpart of the wall of the metering chamber.

The metering system is preferably configured to contain a dispensablevolume of cleanser liquid of between 0.1 and 5 millilitre, morepreferably between 0.2 and 2 millilitre, even more preferably between0.3 and 1 millilitre, and still more preferably between 0.4 and 0.6millilitre. This dispensable volume is the total volume that can bedispensed once the device is in the dispensing orientation, i.e. all theliquid that is capable of flowing to the mesh of the spray head once thelatter is actuated. This volume therefore includes the volumecontainable in the metering chamber (in the dispensing orientation) andfor instance also that the conduit means. In view thereof, it isparticularly preferred that the volume of the metering chamber isbetween 0.1 and 5 millilitre, mare preferably between 0.2 and 2millilitre, even more preferably between 0.3 and 1 millilitre, and stillmore preferably between 0.4 and 0.6 millilitre.

It is highly preferred that the dispensable volume and the actuationtime are mutually adapted as explained below.

Conduit Means

Prolonged contact of the mesh with the cleaning liquid will lead toclogging or deterioration of the mesh. The conduit enables flow of thecleanser from the metering chamber to the spray head when the device isin the dispensing orientation, but also prevents prolonged contactbetween the fluid and the mesh of the vibrating mesh spray actuatorafter a dose has been dispensed, regardless of whether the device isleft in the dispensing orientation (e.g. corresponding to a closedtoilet lid) or rotated back to the recharging orientation (e.g. an opentoilet lid). Therefore, the conduit means is situated in the flow pathof the cleanser liquid between the metering chamber and the spray head,such that in the dispensing orientation the metering chamber is in fluidcommunication with the vibrating mesh spray actuator via the meteringoutlet opening and the conduit means.

The conduit means comprises an element selected from a check valve and achannel. These two alternatives of the conduit means contribute in thesame way to the invention, in the sense that they both provide theeffect as explained above.

Conduit Means Comprising a Check Valve

Thus, according to a first alternative, the conduit means is realised ina form comprising a check valve. The check valve is a valve that isclosed when the device is in the recharging position and opened when thedevice is in the dispensing orientation. The check valve is open when itis in a state in which liquid is avowed to pass to flow from themetering chamber to the spray head. Check valves are well known to theperson skilled in the art. It is preferred that the check valve respondsautonomously to changes from the dispensing orientation to therecharging orientation and vice versa. Typically, the check valvecomprises a movable member that is capable of closing the flow path. Itis preferred that the check valve is a float valve. It is even morepreferred that the check valve is an in-line float valve. Such anin-line float valve typically comprises a movable closing element(examples including a sphere, a cylinder or a similarly shaped plug),which is capable of floating on the liquid to be controlled and which iscomprised in a float valve housing. Thus, when the device is rotatedinto the recharging orientation, the metering chamber is filled with thecleansing liquid, and the closing element is pushed upward inside thevalve housing, thereby closing the conduit. When the device is thereuponrotated to the dispensing orientation, the valve opens and allows thecleanser liquid to flow to the vibrating mesh spray actuator. Formanufacturing reasons, an in-line float valve comprising a float sphereas its movable member (that is: a ball float valve) is preferred incertain embodiments. In other embodiments, especially where a good sealis required in the closed position, a floating moveable member ispreferred whereby the cross-sectional area on which the pressure isexerted by the liquid is larger than the cross-sectional area of theopening in the float valve housing that is to be closed.

Alternatively, the float valve can comprise a floating element whichoperates the actual closing member via a lever, comparable to the typeof float valve commonly found in a toilet cistern. In yet anotheralternative, the movable member (e.g. a ball or a cylinder) closes theflow path by virtue of gravity when the device is in the rechargingorientation.

Conduit Means Comprising a Channel

According to a second alternative, the conduit means is realised in aform comprising a channel. The channel communicates with the meteringchamber via a channel inlet opening and communicates with the spray headvia a channel outlet opening. The channel is configured such that, whenthe device is in the recharging orientation, the channel extends in anupward direction from the metering chamber and the spray head is locatedabove and away from the metering chamber.

Thus, it is preferred that when the device is in the rechargingorientation the spray head (or at least the outlet opening of thechannel) is located high enough to be above the level of the cleanserliquid in the reservoir, so that, even when the reservoir and thechannel communicate via the metering chamber, the rising liquid in thechannel does not reach the mesh of the spray head.

In the device configuration wherein the conduit comprises such achannel, the total volume of fluid available for dispensing in thedispensing orientation is determined by the sum of the volume of liquidin the metering chamber and that in the channel. The metering chambertypically is fillable by a constant volume of liquid. By contrast, whenthe device is rotated from the recharging to the dispensing orientation,the amount present in the channel after the weir cuts off the flow ofliquid from the reservoir into the metering chamber is likely to dependon the fill level of the reservoir. Therefore, in this configuration,the total dispensable volume will also depend on this fill level. Thefill level of the reservoir will normally lower upon repeated use of thedevice without intermediate refilling of the reservoir and hence thetotal dispensable amount per actuation will vary. This constitutes apotential problem, because the meshes in typical vibrating mesh sprayactuators have a limited tolerance to dry-running. That is the meshshould not be actuated without being in touch with dispensable liquidfor too long.

Therefore, the device according to this alternative is preferablyconfigured such that the largest variation in dispensable volume allowedby the device is smaller than the volume of liquid that is dispensableby the vibrating mesh spray actuator within a time that is smaller thanor equal to the maximum safe dry-run time of the vibrating mesh sprayactuator. Therefore, it is particularly preferred that the volume of thechannel (13) is smaller than the volume of liquid that is dispensable bythe vibrating mesh spray actuator (7) within a time that is smaller thanor equal to the maximum safe dry-run time of said vibrating mesh sprayactuator (7).

The maximum safe dry-run times may vary between different types ofvibrating mesh spray actuators. However, for a particular type ofvibrating mesh spray actuator this time can easily be determined by theskilled person by straight-forward experimentation.

Under usual operating conditions, when a vibrating mesh spray actuatorvibrates to expel a mist of the cleanser liquid, outside air will at thesame time enter into the spray head via the mesh. Therefore, in apreferred embodiment, it is preferred that the device also comprises anair passage comprising a passage inlet opening and a passage outletopening, whereby the passage inlet opening opens into the channel doseto the channel outlet opening, and whereby when the device is in thedispensing orientation

-   -   the air passage extends upward from the channel, and    -   the passage outlet opening opens into the reservoir above and        away from the lowest point of the reservoir.        Such an air passage assists in reducing the accumulation of air        in the spray head and/or the channel and prevents such air from        hindering the flow of cleanser from the metering chamber via the        channel during actuation. The passage is called an air passage        to emphasise this function, but it is not limited to allowing        air flow, as for instance the cleansing liquid may also be        allowed to flow through passage in certain configurations.

Spray Head

The device according to the invention comprises a spray head containinga vibrating mesh spray actuator. Vibrating mesh spray actuators arewell-known in the art, are commercially available and are for instancealso known under the name vibrating mesh nebuliser, ultrasonicnebuliser, or flexible disc atomiser.

The actuator generates the aerosol by means of a piezoelectric atomisersystem. Preferably, this is achieved by combining a piezoelectric driveelement with a mesh (i.e. a perforated (flexible) disc, foil or cloth),wherein the mesh is brought into a vibrating motion by the piezo elementthereby creating the aerosol. Here, upon actuation, an alternatingvoltage applied to the piezoelectric actuation element causes it toexpand and contract; this expand-and-contract-movement produces axialvibratory movements of the mesh. These reciprocating vibratory movementsforce the liquid through the orifices of the mesh and eject the aerosol.

By means of a non-limiting example, the vibrating mesh spray actuatormay be configured as an aerosol-generating system comprising apiezoelectric ring that is radially expandable and contractible uponactuation thereof. A tubular member is disposed within the centre holeof the piezoelectric ring, and a circular vibratable aperture plate isdisposed across the internal lumen of the tubular member. Thepiezoelectric ring is radially expandable and contractible against thetubular member to cause the aperture plate to vibrate in the axialdirection. Upon supply of a liquid to the vibratable aperture plate andupon vibration thereof, an aerosol is produced.

It is preferred that the vibrating mesh comprises perforations(orifices) of between 1 and 50 μm (micrometre), more preferably between5 and 20 μm. Typically, the vibrating frequency of the piezoelectricdrive element is between 20 and 300 kHz. The optimal drive frequency andthe optimal orifice size typically depend on other design factorsspecific to a particular vibrating mesh spray actuator and may be easilydetermined experimentally.

When the device according to the invention in the dispensingorientation, the spray head is located below the metering chamber and isadapted for spraying in downward direction. This downward direction isnot intended to be limited to an exactly vertical direction, since theaerosol will typically leave the mesh in the form of a diverging cone,plume or cloud.

Nebulisers in which a vibrating mesh spray actuator is configured tospray in an upward direction often rely on capillary means such as awick or other porous member to transport the liquid to be dispensed tothe mesh, as is shown for instance in WO 2008/008459. Such aconfiguration is intended to ensure constant contact of the mesh withthe liquid. In contrast, the present device does not require such awick. Therefore, the spraying device of the present invention preferablydoes not contain a wick for transporting the cleansing liquid to theimmediate vicinity of the mesh of the vibrating mesh spray actuator.

For application in the spraying device of the present invention, it ispreferred that the vibrating mesh spray actuator is capable ofdispensing the nebulised cleanser at a rate of delivery of from 0.001 to3.0 g/second, more preferably 0.005 to 2.5 g/second. Most preferable isa delivery rate of 0.0075 to 2.0 g/second.

Aerosol

For the purpose of this invention an aerosol (or mist) is an airbornecloud of particles. These particles comprise liquid and may alsocomprise solids. The particles are larger than a molecule but smallenough to allow them to remain suspended in the atmosphere for a certainamount of time (e.g. over the length of a toilet flush or long enough tobe dispersed over the entire interior of a toilet bowl). The averagediameter of the particles preferably falls within the range of from 5 to200 μm (micrometre). More preferably the average diameter of theparticles falls within the range of from 15 to 70 μm as measured usingstandard particle size measurement apparatus (for example a MalvernSpraytec Dv50 measurement) and sprays at 25° C. taking an average of 3repeat measurements.

The particle size specification used in this invention is the volumemedian particle diameter (Dv50). This Volume Median Diameter is thediameter of a spherical single droplet, whose volume, when multiplied bythe total number of droplets in the spray, is found to equal the totalspray volume. The volume median diameter is a well-known measure whichindicates that 50% of the total volume is made up of droplets with adiameter larger than the median value and 50% is made up of droplets ofsmaller diameter. Here, the diameter of a droplet is the diameter of ahypothetical spherical droplet with the same volume as the actualdroplet.

The particle size of the aerosol is preferably such that the particlesremain afloat long enough to fill the enclosure and, in case theenclosure is a toilet, it is even more preferred that the particle sizeis such that also an effective amount of the cleansing liquid isdelivered under the toilet rim. At the same time, the particle size ofthe aerosol is preferably not so small that particles floating out ofthe toilet might cause a health risk due to inhalation by the user.

Angled Spray Head

The device can be configured such that when it is in the dispensingorientation, the mesh is substantially horizontally oriented, as thiswould enable down-ward dispensing of a mist of the cleanser liquid byvibrating the mesh. However, if not the entire volume of metered liquidis dispensed, the interplay of gravity and capillary forces would causeany liquid remaining in the spray head to form a droplet hanging centredunder the mesh. Therefore, in a preferred embodiment, the principalplane of the mesh of the vibrating mesh spray actuator is at an angle ofbetween 3 and 20 degrees, more preferably between 5 and 15 degrees withrespect to the horizontal plane when, the device is in the dispensingorientation. Thus, if there should be any remaining liquid, it will beassisted in flowing to the side and off the mesh. Here, the principalplane is the plane that best coincides with the mesh, for instance ifmesh is planar, it simply is the plane of the mesh.

Electronic Control Circuit

The dispensing actuation of the vibrating mesh spray actuator iscontrolled by an electronic control circuit. Such control circuits arewell known in the art. The control circuit preferably is configured todrive the piezoelectric element of the actuator at a frequency suitablefor atomising the liquid. The circuit preferably drives thepiezoelectric element at its resonance frequency for maximum energyefficiency.

During one actuation, the circuit should drive the piezoelectric elementso long that the metered amount of liquid is atomised, preferably withthe least possible amount of liquid remaining and also preferablywithout dry-running of the actuator after dispensing the liquid for atime equal to or longer than the maximum safe dry-running time of theactuator.

The optimal drive time may for instance be pre-set during development ofthe device in a way well known to the person skilled in the art.

Alternatively, the control circuit can also be so equipped so as todetect dry-running of the actuator. Thus, the control circuit shouldpreferably be configured such that during actuation, the circuit drivesthe piezoelectric element until dry-running is detected. Dry-running mayfor instance be detected from the difference in resonance frequencybetween a vibrator system (i.e. the piezoelectric element and the meshin coupled vibration) in contact with the dispensable liquid and such avibrator system only in contact with air. Such a preferred configurationis described for instance in WO 2011/091002 and US 2003/0196660.

It is preferred that the spraying device can only be actuated fordispensing the aerosol when the enclosure (e.g. the toilet bowl) whenthe device is in the dispensing orientation, for instance when thetoilet lid is closed. In order to detect whether the device is in therecharging or the dispensing orientation, the electronic control circuitis preferably equipped with a tilt sensor.

Tilt sensors are well known in the art. Non limiting examples of suchsensors that may be used to detect the orientation of the lid are,motion sensors, position switches (like a mercury switch, or a simplemetal ball that moves from a first (inactive) position to second(active) position upon repositioning of the device and/or the toiletlid), light sensors, sound sensors, pressure sensors and weight sensors.

The tilt sensor can for instance be incorporated in the electroniccircuit or it can be connected to the control circuit as a separateunit. Advantageously, the tilt sensor can also serve as a safetyfeature, by configuring the control circuit to prevent or interruptdispensing in case the device is rotated out of the dispensingorientation.

Preferably, the control circuit is capable of controlling the delay withwhich the device starts spraying after the device was brought into thedispensing orientation.

The electronic control circuit is suitable for controlling the sprayactuator, but does not have to be limited to that functionality. Forexample, it can also be capable of actuating a speaker or buzzer, forinstance to inform the user that the device is about to be actuated orthat the device is running out of cleanser liquid or requires batteryreplacement.

Power Supply

In order to provide electric power to the control circuit and theactuator, the device can for instance be connectable to an externalpower source, such as electric mains or an external battery. Preferably,the spraying device is adapted for receiving a removable power source,for example one or more batteries.

Air Inlets

In certain configurations, the spraying device of the present inventioncan comprise one or more additional air inlets which allow equilibrationof the outside and inside air pressure. Such air inlets can for examplebe vents, check valves or the like permitting gas communication from theoutside to the reservoir or alternatively from the outside to themetering chamber. In other configurations, it is preferred that thedevice is free from such additional air inlets, for example for reasonsof constructional simplicity.

As is clear from the above description, the device can be constructed inmany different ways while still delivering an effective aerosol.Depending on the chosen system for generating energy, the dimensions ofthe spray head and the composition of the disinfecting and/or sanitisingcleansing fluid, the preferred rate of delivery and the particle size ofthe aerosol will vary.

Liquid Cleanser

Preferably, the disinfecting or sanitising liquid cleanser used in thedevice of this invention comprises at least one compound selected fromthe group comprising biocides, fragrances, essential oils, surfactants,solubilizers or hydrotropes, colorants and odour immobilisers.

In particular, it is preferred that a suitable liquid cleansercomposition as disclosed WO 2012/156170 is used, whereby the compositionmore preferably comprises one or more of the suitable ingredients asdisclosed in WO 2012/156170.

Method and Use

According to the second aspect of the invention, there is provided amethod of spraying an enclosure comprising a rotatable surface with aliquid cleanser, comprising the steps

-   -   a. providing a spraying device according to the invention,        whereby the reservoir is charged with cleansing liquid;    -   b. attaching the spraying device to the rotatable surface;    -   c. bringing the attached spraying device in its recharging        orientation, thereby filling the metering chamber with a dose of        the cleansing liquid;    -   d. bringing the charged spraying device in its dispensing        orientation;    -   e. dispensing the dose of cleansing liquid via the vibrating        membrane spray actuator; and    -   f. optionally repeating the steps c to e.        The rotatable surface preferably is a rotatable lid.

The steps of bringing the spraying device in its recharging anddispensing orientations preferably correspond to opening and closing ofthe rotatable lid, respectively, it is particularly preferred in thismethod that the enclosure is a toilet bowl and similarly it is preferredthat the lid is a toilet lid.

In step b, the spraying device should be attached to the rotatablesurface in such a way that the device is in its dispensing orientationwhen the lid is closed. Therefore, if the enclosure is a toilet bowl,the spraying device is preferably attached to the bottom side of thelid, that is, the side of the lid that faces the inside of the toiletbowl.

Preferred aspects of the device according to the first aspect of theinvention are also preferred with respect to the device as provided instep (a) of method according to the invention.

In this method, (if the rotatable surface is a lid) whenever a useropens the (toilet) lid, the metering chamber is filled with liquid. Ifthe user subsequently closes the (toilet) lid, the device is in theright orientation to dispense the cleanser. The same holds true forlikewise rotations if the rotatable surface is a surface different froma lid. In a preferred embodiment the electronic control unit detects thechange in orientation by means of the optional tilt sensor as describedabove and thereupon actuates the vibrating mesh spray actuator, therebydispensing the metered dose of cleanser. By repeating the steps (c) to(e), multiple actuation cycles are possible. Thus, when the toilet hasbeen used, the user can flush it and close the lid to atomise an amountof cleanser.

Therefore, according to the third aspect of the invention, there isprovided use of a spraying device according to the invention forrepeatedly spraying a dose of cleansing liquid into an enclosure,preferably into a toilet bowl.

Suitable Operation of the Device

After using the toilet, the user closes the lid and subsequently flushesthe toilet. Following these actions the spraying device mayautomatically be activated: as a result, it starts to sequentiallydispense the disinfecting and/or sanitising fluid as an aerosol into theinner volume of the toilet bowl. The device may remain active untilenough fluid is dispensed to effectively kill more than 50%, preferablymore than 75%, more preferably more than 90%, more preferably at least99%, most preferably more that 99.9% of the airborne micro-organismsand/or viruses that were created during the flush.

Preferably the aerosol is forced to flow away from the spraying deviceinto the toilet bowl in such a way that the aerosol particles may spreadevenly over the whole inner volume of the toilet bowl. Preferably, it isavoided to cover one side of the inner volume of the toilet bowl morethan its opposite side. An aerosol spray that is biased to cover oneside of the inner volume of the toilet bowl more than its opposite sidemight cause a significant difference in concentration of disinfecting orsanitising aerosol droplets from one part of the bowl volume to theother. This may cause the airborne bacteria and viruses present in thearea where there is a low(er) concentration of disinfecting orsanitising aerosol droplets to survive the treatment.

The spraying device may be placed anywhere on the bottom-side of thetoilet lid as long as the emitted aerosol particles can cover the innersurface of the toilet bowl without creating a significant difference inconcentration of disinfecting or sanitising aerosol droplets from onepart of the bowl volume to the other. Preferably the spraying device isplaced more or less in the middle of the lid.

In order to cover the whole inner volume of the toilet bowl withoutcreating a significant difference in concentration of disinfecting orsanitising aerosol droplets from one part of the bowl volume to theother, the direction wherein the aerosol is emitted by the spray head isrelated to the position of the dispensing device on the lid.

The aerosol particles remain suspended in the air for an effectiveamount of time. This allows them to diffuse from the point of enteringthe inner volume of the bowl (evenly) in all directions towards the bowlsurface including the space under the rim. The aerosol particles maythus eliminate the airborne micro-organisms and/or viruses (evenly) overthe whole inner volume of the bowl and may remain effective againstairborne micro-organisms and/or viruses all the time they remainsuspended in the air. The delivery of the disinfecting and/or sanitisingaerosol in combination with the time the created aerosol remainsuspended in the air is preferably controlled in such a way that aneffective number of aerosol particles remain suspended in the air atleast until the end of the flush (i.e. for as long as airborne bacteriaand/or viruses may be created) and more preferably even longer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Further preferred details of the invention will become clear from thenon-limiting examples provided by the figures.

FIG. 1 shows a cross section of a schematic representation of a firstpreferred embodiment of the spraying device of the present invention inthe recharging orientation. In typical use, this would correspond to thedevice being connected to the bottom side of a toilet lid, whereby thelid is opened. The device comprises a reservoir 1, which contains anamount of cleanser liquid. In the recharging orientation, the meteringsystem 2 is located below the reservoir 1 and communicates with thereservoir 1 via the inlet opening 9. Therefore the metering chamber 3 isalso filled with liquid.

The metering chamber 3 in turn communicates with the conduit means 5 viathe outlet opening 10. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the conduit means 5comprises a check valve 12. The valve is only shown schematically as ahousing comprising a movable closing member 14. The position of themovable closing member 14 as depicted in FIG. 1 corresponds to a closedvalve, which blocks the flow of fluid from the outlet opening 10 intothe intermediate chamber 15. Thus, FIG. 1 shows how the metering,chamber 3 is filled with liquid in the recharging orientation of thedevice. At the same time, the check valve 12 being closed ensures thatthe fluid does not reach the spray head 6. Thus, prolonged contactbetween the liquid and the vibrating mesh spray actuator 7 is preventedas long as the device is in the recharging orientation.

In typical use conditions, the device of FIG. 1 can be brought into thedispensing orientation by closing the toilet, lid. The dispensingorientation is shown in FIG. 2. Therefore, the features of the device inFIG. 1 are also present in FIG. 2, albeit in a different orientation, inthe orientation of FIG. 2, the metering system 2 is now placed adjacentto the reservoir 1. The metering chamber 3 is depicted comprising anamount of cleanser 19, signifying that the cross section represents thedevice approximately at the onset of the dispensing action. In contrastto the situation of FIG. 1, the weir member 4 now separates the cleanserliquid 19 in the metering chamber 3 from the cleanser liquid 18 in thereservoir 1 and there is no liquid communication between the reservoir 1and the metering chamber, because the inlet opening 9 of the meteringchamber which is above the weir member 4 is thereby also above thelevels of the liquids 18 and 19. The weir member 4 is shown to extendvertically from the lower wall 11 of the reservoir. It should be notedthat the lower wall 11 only is the lower wall when the device is in thedispensing orientation.

In this orientation, the check valve 12 is now open, as depicted by thechanged position of movable member 14. Hence, liquid communication isnow possible between the metering chamber 3 and the spray head 6, viathe intermediate chamber 15 and the spray head inlet opening 16. Thus,the mesh of the vibrating mesh spray actuator 7 is now contacted withthe liquid. When the actuator 7 is actuated, i.e. the mesh is suitablyvibrated by the electronic control circuit (not shown), the liquid willbe atomised and expelled via the orifices 17 of the mesh. Theorientation of the mesh ensures a predominantly downward projection ofthe expelled droplets of liquid.

After dispensing of the liquid, the lid is likely to stay in the closedposition, but by accurate timing of the mesh actuation, no liquid willstay on the mesh. When a subsequent prospective user of the toilet opensthe lid, he will thereby bring the spraying device back into therecharging orientation of FIG. 1, preparing the device for a nextactuation.

FIG. 3 shows a cross section of a schematic representation of a secondembodiment of the spraying device of the present invention. This is anembodiment according to the second alternative, wherein the conduitmeans comprises a channel. In FIG. 3, the device is shown in therecharging orientation. The device comprises a reservoir 1 containing anamount of cleanser liquid. In the recharging orientation, the metering,system 2 is located below the reservoir 1 and communicates with thereservoir 1 via the inlet opening 9. Therefore the metering chamber 3 isalso filled with liquid.

The metering chamber 3 in turn communicates with the conduit means 5 viathe outlet opening 10. In this particular embodiment, the conduit means5 comprises a channel 13. It can be seen in FIG. 3 that in therecharging orientation, the channel 13 extends in an upward directionfrom the metering chamber 3. In this case, the outlet opening 10 of themetering chamber also functions as the inlet opening of the channel 13.

The spray head 6 is located above and away from the metering chamber 3and is connected to the channel 13 via the spray head inlet opening 16which also serves as the channel outlet opening. The location of thespray head ensures that when the device is in the rechargingorientation, the liquid contained in the device (whether in thereservoir 1, the metering chamber 2 or the channel 3) does not reach thespray head. Thus, prolonged contact between the liquid and the vibratingmesh spray actuator 7 is prevented as long as the device is in therecharging orientation.

When during typical use the device is rotated into the dispensingorientation, the device according to this embodiment as shown in FIG. 4functions in a similar way as the device of the embodiment of FIGS. 1and 2. That is, the metering chamber 3 now is in fluid contact with thespray head 7 via the conduit means 5 (here formed by the channel 13). Atsame time, the fluid 18 contained in the reservoir 1 is no longer incommunication with the fluid 19 in the metering chamber 3 by virtue ofthe weir member 4 which extends upwardly from the lower wall 11 of thereservoir 1. Again, the lower wall 11 refers to the wall that is thelower wall in the dispensing orientation. The actuation by theelectronic control circuit and the repeatability of the operation of thedevice according to this embodiment are similar to that of the aboveembodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2 as will be understood by the person skilledin the art.

FIGS. 5 and 6 show another illustrative embodiment of the deviceaccording to the invention, in its recharging and dispensing orientationrespectively. Like the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, this embodiment alsoinvolves a conduit means 5 comprising a check valve 12. The embodimentof FIGS. 5 and 6 therefore functions by virtue of the same principles asthat of FIGS. 1 and 2, but this embodiment demonstrates the benefits ofa number of independent preferred features.

The embodiment of FIGS. 5 and 6 incorporates a housing 2 and adetachable cartridge 22 comprising the reservoir 1. The cartridge 22also is an embodiment of the cartridge according to the second aspect ofthe invention. The housing 2 comprises the metering system (includingthe metering chamber 3), the conduit means 5 and the spray head 6. Italso comprises an electronic control circuit 8, a tilt sensor 20 and apower source (e.g. a battery) 21. Electric connections (not shown) areestablished between the power source 21, the tilt sensor 20, the controlcircuit 8 and the piezoelectric element of the vibrating mesh sprayactuator 7.

The housing 2 also is equipped with a connection means 27 suitable forfastening the device to a toilet lid 28.

The reservoir 1 again serves to store an amount of cleanser liquid. Thecartridge 22 is detachable, so it can be replaced by a full cartridge,for example after all the cleanser in the original cartridge has beenconsumed. The cartridge 22 and the housing 2 are mutually compatible sothat the cartridge can be connected to the housing such that thecleanser liquid can flow from the reservoir 1 into the metering chamber3 when the device is in the recharging orientation. It is highlypreferred that this liquid connection is leak-free. Therefore, as anexample the outlet opening 23 of the cartridge 22 is equipped with asealing plug 24, which blocks the opening 23 before the cartridge 1 isconnected to the housing of the device. The receiving opening of thehousing 2 is equipped with a pin 25 which pushes back the sealing plug24 upon attachment of the cartridge 22 to the housing 2, thereby openingup the cartridge. When the cartridge is in place, the sealing ring 26ensures a leak-free connection between the reservoir 1 and the meteringsystem.

When the device is in the recharging orientation as depicted in FIG. 5,the cleanser liquid from the reservoir 1 also fills the metering chamber3. Like in the embodiment of FIG. 1, the check valve 12 is closed by theclosing member 14.

When the device is rotated into the dispensing orientation, the liquid18 in the reservoir 1 is separated from the liquid 19 in the meteringchamber 3. In this particular embodiment, the weir member 4 isconstituted by a portion of the cartridge wall that extends upwardlybetween the lower wall 11 and the outlet opening 23 of the cartridge 22in combination with the upward oriented wall of the metering chamber 3below the inlet opening 9, in the dispensing orientation, the liquid 19in the metering chamber can flow to the spray head 6 via the check valve12, the intermediate chamber 15 and the spray head inlet opening 16 andbe dispensed from by the vibrating mesh spray actuator 7 in the samemanner as described for the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 6 shows that the mesh of the vibrating mesh spray actuator 7 ispositioned under an angle with respect to the horizontal plane when inthe dispensing orientation. Preferably, this angle is between 3° and20°, more preferably between 5° and 15° as explained above. By virtue ofthis angle, any liquid that would undesirably remain in contact with themesh after actuation of the vibrating mesh spray actuator 7 would beassisted in flowing to the side and off the mesh.

FIGS. 7 and 8 show yet another illustrative embodiment of the deviceaccording to the invention, in its recharging and dispensingorientation, respectively. Like the embodiment of FIGS. 3 and 4, thisembodiment also involves a conduit means 5 comprising a channel 13. Theembodiment of FIGS. 7 and 8 therefore functions by virtue of the samefeatures and principles as that of FIGS. 3 and 4. In addition to thefeatures presented in the embodiment of FIGS. 3 and 4, the presentembodiment also comprises an air passage 29, having a passage inletopening 30 and a passage outlet opening 31. The passage inlet opening 30opens into the channel 13 close to the spray head inlet opening 16, andthe passage outlet opening 31 opens into the reservoir 1. FIG. 7 showshow the placement of the air passage 29 dose to the spray head inletopening 16 ensures that it is located above the fluid level in thereservoir such that the liquid in the reservoir cannot reach the sprayhead via the air passage when the device is in the rechargingorientation. FIG. 8 shows that when the device is in the dispensingorientation, the air passage 29 extends upward from the channel 13, andthus the vent outlet opening 31 opens into the reservoir 1 above andaway from the lowest point of the reservoir. This configuration ensuresthat the liquid 18 in the reservoir 1 is separated from the liquid 19 inthe metering chamber 3 and in the channel 13 despite the presence of theair passage 29. When the vibrating mesh spray actuator 7 is activated bythe electronic control circuit as described above, the fluid in thespray head 6 will be atomised and expelled, whilst at the same time anyair entering the spray head 6 (typically in the form of small airbubbles) can escape to the reservoir 1 via the air channel 30.Advantageously, the configuration of this embodiment makes anyadditional air vents, in particular air vents allowing air flow betweenthe reservoir 1 or the metering chamber 3 and the outside of the deviceunnecessary.

If the device comprises an air passage 29 as described, it is preferredthat the device is configured such that when it is in the dispensingorientation, the lowest point of the outlet opening 31 of the air vent29 is lower than the lowest point of the inlet opening 9 of the meteringchamber 3. This configuration provides the additional advantage thatupon rotation of the spraying device from the recharging to thedispensing orientation, the metering system would always be filled withthe same amount of liquid regardless of amount left in the reservoir,because during rotation the air vent and the metering chambercommunicate. Thus, during rotation the weir starts—at a certain angle ofrotation—to separate the liquid in the reservoir from that in themetering chamber, while at the same time the channel 13 is increasinglybeing filled. If the rotation is carried out somewhat fast the liquid inthe metering chamber will be at a slightly higher level than the heightof the outlet 31 by the time the device is in the dispensingorientation. However, some liquid will then flow via the channel 13 andthe air vent 29 until the fluid in the metering chamber is at the samelevel as the outlet opening 31.

1. A spraying device for spraying an enclosure with a liquid cleanser,wherein the device comprises a reservoir (1) for containing the liquidcleanser or is adapted for receiving a detachable cartridge (22)comprising a reservoir (1) for containing the liquid cleanser, andwherein the device further comprises (a) a metering system comprising ametering chamber (3), a weir member (4), and a conduit means (5), (b) aspray head (6) containing a vibrating mesh spray actuator (7), and (c)an electronic control circuit (8) for controlling the spray actuator(7); (d) whereby the metering chamber (3) comprises an inlet opening (9)and an outlet opening (10), and whereby the weir member (4) is locatedbetween the reservoir (1) and the metering chamber (3) and the device isrotatable between a first recharging orientation and a second dispensingorientation; (e) and whereby in the recharging orientation, the meteringchamber (3) is located below the reservoir (1) and is in fluidcommunication therewith via the inlet opening (9); (f) and whereby inthe dispensing orientation; (i) the weir member (4) extends upward fromthe lower wall (11) of the reservoir and the metering inlet opening (9)is located above the weir member (4), (ii) the metering chamber (3) isin fluid communication with the vibrating mesh spray actuator (7) viathe metering outlet opening (10) and the conduit means (5), and (iii)the spray head (6) is located below the metering chamber and is adaptedfor spraying in downward direction: (g) whereby the conduit means (5)comprises an element selected from a check valve (12) and a channel(13), whereby (i) if the element is said check valve (12), the checkvalve (12) is closed when the device is in the recharging position andopened when the device is in the dispensing orientation, and; (ii) ifthe element is said channel (13), the channel communicates with themetering chamber via a channel inlet opening and communicates with thespray head (6) via a channel outlet opening and whereby, when the deviceis in the recharging orientation, the channel (13) extends in an upwarddirection from the metering chamber (3) and the spray head (6) islocated above and away from the metering chamber (3).
 2. A sprayingdevice according to claim 1 wherein the conduit means (5) is channel(13).
 3. A spraying device according to claim 2, wherein the volume ofthe channel (13) is smaller than the volume of liquid that isdispensable by the vibrating mesh spray actuator (7) within a time thatis smaller than or equal to the maximum safe dry-run time of saidvibrating mesh spray actuator (7).
 4. A spraying device according toclaim 2, wherein the device also comprises an air passage (29)comprising a passage inlet opening (30) and a passage outlet opening(31), whereby (a) the passage inlet opening (30) opens into the channel(13) close to the channel outlet opening, and (b) whereby when thedevice is in the dispensing orientation the air passage (29) extendsupward from the channel (13), and the passage outlet opening (31) opensinto the reservoir (1) above and away from, the lowest point of thereservoir.
 5. A spraying device according to claim 1 wherein the conduitmeans (5) is check valve (12).
 6. A spraying device according to claim 4wherein the check valve (5) is float valve.
 7. A spraying deviceaccording to claim 1 further comprising a detachable cartridge (22),whereby the reservoir (1) is comprised in the cartridge (22).
 8. Aspraying device according to claim 1 wherein the volume of the meteringchamber (3) is between 0.1 and 5 millilitre.
 9. A spraying deviceaccording to claim wherein the electronic control circuit (8) isequipped with a tilt sensor (20).
 10. A spraying device according toclaim 1 wherein the principal plane of the mesh of the vibrating meshspray actuator (7) is at an angle of between 5 and 15 degrees withrespect to the horizontal plane when the device is in the dispensingorientation.
 11. A spraying device for spraying an enclosure with aliquid cleanser according to claim 1, wherein the enclosure is a toiletbowl.
 12. A spraying device according to claim 1 wherein the device isattachable to a rotatable surface (28).
 13. A cartridge (22) comprisinga reservoir (1) and a cartridge outlet opening (23), whereby thecartridge is configured to be received by a spraying device according toclaim 1 whereby the spraying device is adapted for detachably receivingthe cartridge and whereby the cartridge is receivable in a configurationin which the reservoir (1) communicates with the metering chamber (3)via the cartridge outlet opening (23) and the metering chamber inletopening (9) when the spraying device is in the recharging orientation.14. A method for spraying an enclosure comprising a rotatable surfacewith a liquid cleanser, comprising the steps of: (a) providing aspraying device according to claim 1, whereby the reservoir is chargedwith a cleansing liquid; (b) attaching the spraying device to arotatable surface; (c) adjusting the spraying device to its rechargingorientation, thereby filling the metering chamber with a dose of theliquid cleanser; (d) adjusting the spraying device to its dispensingorientation; (e) dispensing the dose of liquid cleanser via thevibrating membrane spray actuator; and (f) optionally repeating thesteps c) to (e).
 15. The method of claim 14 wherein a dose of a liquidcleanser is sprayed to an enclosure which is a toilet bowl.